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TRIP, a national nonprofit transportation research group in Washington, says Florida leads the country in the number of traffic fatalities involving at least one driver over 65. TRIP says Florida is second in the nation in the number of drivers 65 and older with 3,341,250 drivers. Texas ranked behind Florida in both cases.

According to the TRIP “Preserving the Mobility and Safety of Older Americans” report, an estimated 46 million Americans are 65 or older, accounting for 15 percent of the total population. But the percentage is higher in Florida, with TRIP’s report saying 23 percent of the 3.3 million licensed drivers in Florida are 65 or older, based on 2012 to 2016 statistics.

Sergeant Dylan Bryan, the Florida Highway Patrol spokesman for Northeast Florida, says he is not surprised, especially since they use the same smartphones that younger people do.

“Florida, being a popular destination for the older crowd who retire or relocate, that brings more people down here. We are also looking at driver distractions with technology,” Bryan said. “... Put those into the older crowd where driving and dealing with something on a smaller screen could be more difficult. Driver distraction and cellphone use is definitely a main culprit of our crashes, and that is 100 percent preventable.”

State statistics show that of those 65 or older, the age that saw the highest number of Florida fatalities in crashes were those 90 or older, with 27 victims, followed by 25 for those age 65. Alcohol was the cause of 17 fatalities of those age 65 or older, while drugs were the reason for 28 deaths.

To make driving safer for Florida seniors, TRIP’s report recommends:

• Clearer, brighter, and simpler signage
• Brighter street markings
• Widening, or adding, left-turn lanes
• Adding senior driver training 

Sergeant Bryan said the Highway Patrol is working with the Florida Department of Transportation on similar ways to make driving safer for older motorists with issues like restricted mobility and failing eyesight.

“Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. We are available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Cape Coral Car Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey. 

Cape Coral Car Accident Lawyer Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.